Information on Skin Boils, Carbuncles and Abscesses. Natural Treatment and Prevention Options for Skin Boils.

Boils can occur anywhere on the skin, although they tend to develop on the face, neck, armpits, buttocks, or thighs. They also occur most frequently in areas containing hair and/or sweat glands, or in areas where chafing or recurrent friction occurs, thus a major cause of skin boils. In some cases, boils can occur in interconnected clusters called carbuncles. In severe cases, they can develop into abscesses.

While anyone can develop boils and carbuncles, people who have diabetes, a suppressed immune system, poor hygiene, acne, or other skin problems are at a higher risk.

Close

• Fever
• The boil occurs between the buttocks (known as a pilonidal cyst)
• The boil is very painful and not improving
• The boil worsens rapidly
• You have frequent boils
• There are red lines radiating from the boil which suggests that the infection may have entered the blood stream
• You have an underlying condition resulting in immune deficiency

Close

• An ingrown hair
• A splinter or other piece of foreign material that has penetrated the skin
• Blocked sweat glands that become infected
• Chafing clothes
• Poor hygiene
• A lowered immune system
• Diabetes
• Malnutrition (Vitamin A or E deficiency in particular)

Close

Home Treatment
Skin boil treatment administered by self-care is usually the only treatment needed, as these boils generally heal by themselves within 4 to 10 days. Healing can be expedited by applying a warm cloth to the area or soaking the boil in warm water. This should help to relieve some of the pain and encourage the pus to surface. Once the boil has drained, the area should be washed with antibacterial soap and kept bandaged and sterile, as the open wound may be susceptible to further infection. Special care should also be taken to prevent the spreading of the bacteria, which can be transmitted to other areas of the skin or to other people through the pus. You should not squeeze or attempt to pop a boil if it is hard and firm, as boils should only be drained once they have become soft or once a head has formed. It is recommended to leave the boil to burst on its own to reduce the spread of infection to other areas. 

Medical treatment
If the boil requires some medical intervention, your doctor may drain it by making a small incision on the tip of the boil. This will help speed up the recovery, reduce pressure and pain, and it helps to lessen scarring. If the infection is especially deep, a small amount of gauze can be placed over the boil so that it can continue to drain. In addition, a course of oral or topical antibiotics may be prescribed to help rid you of severe or recurrent infections. If boils are a recurrent problem, your doctor may also suggest vitamin supplements (especially vitamin A and E) and tests may be done to determine if you have an underlying condition that may be compromising your immune system.

Surgery
Surgery is one of the last measures taken to prevent recurrent boils. This may include the surgical removal of the sweat glands in the area of the skin that is frequently infected. Surgery is also sometimes necessary when trying to treat pilonidal cysts.

Close

There are a number of herbal and homeopathic remedies that can be of great benefit for someone suffering with boils or carbuncles. Since immune deficiency is one of the top causes of this skin infection, naturally boosting the immune system is the first course of action for many people. 

Herbs such as Echinacea purpurea, Astragalus membranaceous, Inula helenium and Withania somnifera are well-documented for their antiviral, anti-fungal and antibacterial properties, and their ability to strengthen and assist the immune system. These herbs not only help to treat current infections, but work well as a preventative measure so that the boils do not reoccur.

In addition, there are also homeopathic and herbal ingredients specific to skin ailments that can help speed recovery and keep the affected area clean and clear from harmful bacteria. Silicea, a homeopathic tissue salt, is very effective in helping the body to expel all foreign or toxic matter, including pus, and is frequently recommended in homeopathic dosage to quickly alleviate boils. In addition, naturopaths often recommend liver and systemic cleansing herbs such as Silybum marianus and Gallium aperine for skin boil treatment.

Close

There are a number of simple ways to prevent boils from reoccurring:

• Practice good hygiene and wash skin with soap regularly
• Avoid very tight or chafing clothing that irritates the skin
• Clean cuts and scrapes thoroughly 
• Keep the immune system functioning well with a healthy diet and sufficient exercise

Close